DNR Nixes Expanded Hunting in Natural Areas

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has decided against opening more of Minnesota's scientific and natural areas to hunting and trapping.

The agency announced Tuesday that it won't loosen hunting restrictions in 10 of the 159 areas, which are known as SNAs. The areas are protected because they contain rare native plants and undisturbed shorelines.

Steve Hirsch, director of the DNR's Ecological and Water Resources Division, says heavy public opposition prompted the decision.

However, the DNR plans to open the Lake Alexander Woods SNA in Morrison County to deer hunting without a special permit. The DNR also plans to allow dogs on leashes at Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA in Duluth, consistent with a city ordinance.

The DNR will take public comments on those two proposals unto Sept. 2.

This time last year the Apostle Islands Ice Cave season was about to wrap up, but this year, it's just getting started, and the shorter season had crowds flocking to the attraction for its opening weekend. Just days ago, park officials gave the okay for the ice caves to open up to the nearly 11,000 visitors who came over the weekend.